Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like others, I compliment Deputy Dowds on bringing this legislation before the House to generate debate on these issues, which are of great importance to those on both sides of the argument. I have commented on these issues, in my constituency and elsewhere, many times in the past. I would like to make two or three points again today.

We should maintain public access to public lands to the best of our ability, albeit with due regard for property, flora and fauna, forests and trees, etc. We have to ensure damage is not done on a regular basis. We have to be conscious of that at all times. How often have we seen broken and damaged trees in our towns, cities and villages as a result of some spree the previous night? It is quite a regular occurrence. I am not suggesting that the two issues are related in any way. However, there is a danger of damage being caused.

There should not be any great difficulty with regard to public lands.

As one who traversed all ends of the country as a game shooter, I exercised that care.

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